Written by Tanya Terry
Featured photo: Shebra Ward, public health manager for the City of Flint speaks at a recent press conference
During a press conference on Wednesday, July 22, at Flint City Hall, Mayor Sheldon Neeley announced the creation of the City of Flint’s new Division of Health Strategies and Advancement and appointed longtime public health leader Shebra Ward as its inaugural director.
Neeley said this executive-level division reflects the city’s commitment to addressing Flint’s unique public health challenges through data-driven strategies, community partnerships and targeted neighborhood interventions.
As the largest city in Genesee County with over 85,000 residents, Flint faces distinct health challenges that differ from surrounding areas, including significantly higher rates of poverty and chronic disease.
“In Fenton, the life expectancy or resident that lives inside the city is about 83.2 years,” stated Neeley. “The average life expectancy here in the city of Flint is about 63 years of age before we perish…We’re talking about the infant mortality ratios and expectancy of infants. We know the quality of life and health is very important to each and every one of us. So, we need to dig in a little deeper to be able to extend the level of help and support for residents inside the city of Flint.”
The mayor emphasized that the Division of Health Strategies and Advancement will work within the existing budget without requiring city council approval. He said, similarly to the county health department, the city department will provide referrals, assessments and a concierge portion of service -all focused on Flint residents. The new division is intended to serve as the city’s central office for public health strategy, bringing together data, research and community partnerships
Shebra Ward expressed her honor to serve Flint residents and stated her commitment to developing focused solutions for creating healthier futures for every Flint neighborhood.
The city of Flint is the largest city in the county,” Ward reemphasized. “And, with it being the largest, we need more of a hands-on approach to really understand the health disparities that exist in this city. “
Ward reemphasized that health disparities will be a key focus of her work and the work of the new department.
“Chronic diagnosis, residents living with COPD, diabetes, high blood pressure, all of those play a part in how we live and if we can live well,” Ward added.
She continued: “The focus of this department is to really dig in to engage residents so that they can give us the feedback on what is happening in their lives, in their homes, in their communities. And based on that information, then we implement intentional programming and are not just, as they say, shooting the dart, but also just looking in the space of what is really going on where do you need a level of help. “
Ward pointed out there are a number of resources that exist currently within this city and in the county.
“There is no reason the life expectancy on the north side of Flint should be 63 years when we have so many resources, advancement in technology and other medications that can help you live healthy and well. So, as we move forward, we’re looking to engage you. We’re looking to hear from you. This is about you living long, about your children living long and gaining the skills needed in order to implement proper lifestyle behavior changes that allows you to, as we say, we’re Flint strong, to truly be Flint strong.”
Dr. Javon Gill from Henry Ford Genesys Hospital also participated as a speaker at the press conference, noting that a series of surveys would help the city officials investigate health disparities.
In addition to Gill serving as a physician with the new department, City administrator Clyde Edwards and City of Flint Chief of Staff Ed Taylor will also serve within the department.
